Christmas this year was great. We were so blessed to spend so much time with our families. We really tried to concentrate on the true meaning of Christmas. It was so wonderful to see how our children responded to trying to be more giving and trying harder to remember Christ. This made for a wonderful experience for our family.
Of course, the holiday season started off with a visit to see Santa at the Outlet Mall. The kids really look forward to this every year. Afterwards we went for ice cream. It was fun to take a moment for just our little family during all of the Christmas craziness.
Christmas Eve
My brother Ryan and his wife Meghan came from Oregon for Christmas. Since my mother was in the middle of radiation treatments, her and my dad were also able to join us. On Christmas Eve morning it is a tradition for my kids to open one present that they can play with throughout the day. This keeps their minds off the other presents and keeps them from asking if it is time to open presents. Charles opened a big Star Wars Lego set. Ryan and I spent three hours putting it all together for Charles. It reminded me of the many times growing up that all of us kids sat on a blanket of Legos and played for hours.
Legos, Legos, Legos, Legos!!
Meghan worked on applications and such for school. What an exciting thing to do!!
Mom and Dad tried to figure out a new card game they got.
My sister Ronna and her boyfriend Brian came down from Aurora and joined us. We played games, laughed, ate, laughed, picked on each other, and laughed. We did a white elephant exchange which was fun. Then it was time for presents.
Mom and Dad
Ryan and Meghan
Ronna and Brian
Another tradition, new pajamas. When I was growing up grandpa and grandma chocolate always bought each of us a new pair of pajamas. It was one of the first things we opened. Then we all put on the pajamas to open the rest of the presents. Gabe and I started this tradition again with our kids.
Gabe and his remote control helicoptor!
Charles and his Leapster.
When he opened the case he told us that he was going to get one. He unzipped one of the pockets and found a new game. He unzipped another pocket and was so shocked that the Leapster was in the case. It was so cute and so funny.
Michelle and her new crayon holder.
My sister Resa made these for the kids. They are so cool!
Christmas Day
On Christmas Day we got up and did the Santa thing. I took pictures with the video camera and forgot about the regular camera. The kids were excited to get new scooters. They rode them around the house for a while. Then everyone got ready. Mom and Dad took Ryan and Meghan back to the airport. Gabe and the kids and I left for Canon City to spend time with Gabe's family. We all met at Dan's for a wonderful dinner, presents, and time together.
These are Michelle's favorite cousins right now.
Whenever she talks about being bigger she mentions being like Chandler and Brittney.
I wish I had remembered to bring the video camera for the above picture. Papa decided to play Guitar Hero with the grandkids and be the singer. I have never laughed so hard in my life. He was singing the song about "Do you really want to hurt me" with a western twang and country beat. It is always great to see him and Grammy get involved with the grandkids though.
Jack, Dan, Mike
Kyle
Carol, Sherri, Dinah
Our wonderful hostess Christine who hates having her picture taken
Charles excited about more car tracks.
Michelle taking her time.
The box not opened yet is a pair of rollerskates. When she opened the skates there was only one visible. Grammy asked if skates is what Michelle wanted. Michelle said, "Yes, but next time Grammy could you get me two skates." She had no idea that the other skate was just covered up. It is so great to be reminded of the simple things and the innocence of kids.
Mr. Old School
Charlene overwhelmed.
Isn't he just the cutest!!
